A collection of predictions for Biden’s administration

I only bet on sure things. I bet that Biden will be elected in a blowout, the Senate will flip and we will see lots of changes. My top predictions follow (in no particular order).

• The covid-19 virus will be controlled and we will see significant improvements in the economy.

• Affordable health care for almost all Americans will be made available.

• Trust in the president and federal government agencies will be restored.

• Tax laws designed to increase tax fairness, reduce income inequality, and protect social security will be passed.

• Our leadership standing with non-authoritarian allies will be restored

• The White House and executive branch executives will be staffed with competent people who function well together..

• Most Trump executive orders will be rescinded.

• Regulations designed to protect our air, water and food will be strengthened.

• Laws will be passed to control the influence of lobbyists in both state and federal governments.

• Military spending budgets will be reviewed to ensure they reflect the current environment and that costs are kept in line.

• We will have a long-range plan (with funding) to make needed improvements in infrastructure.

• We will have a comprehensive immigration plan that includes DACA.

• The Senate will act on the hundred-plus bills approved by the House but never acted on by the McConnell-led Senate.

• We will have a workable plan to reduce climate warming in this country — without significant costs to citizens — while creating thousands of good jobs.

• Supports for consumer protection will be restored.

• Voting rights and election security will be protected by federal law.

• Their will be increased attention to ensure education and job preparation at the federal and state levels prepare both youth and older workers for the jobs of the future.

• Civility in Congress will return as non-Trump Republicans realize that the future of their party depends on non-partisan behavior.

• Regularly scheduled press conferences will return where reporters can raise valid questions without being attacked.

• Common sense gun laws will be enacted.

• There will be both plans and actions to cope with coming job losses due to technological change and global competition.

• There will be progress on tuition assistance and repayment of loans for new and former students enrolled in higher education, apprenticeship training, or job-retraining programs.

• Women’s rights to choose will be protected by federal law.

• Four-year colleges and universities will be subjected to an intensive analysis to reduce costs and improve quality.

• Pre-K through 12 education will receive non-partisan attention to ensure high school graduates are prepared to be responsible citizens in a democratic society, to enter the job market for jobs not requiring post-secondary education, and to enter post-secondary education without needing remediation.

• Enlightened trade policies will allow farmers, manufacturing and retailing businesses to do longrange planning.

• The minimum wage will be increased. Overly optimistic? Not really. I’ll bet on it (another sure thing).

JIM HAMMONS Fayetteville